Repsol Honda team launches the new CBR250R in Indonesia

Dani Pedrosa, Andrea Dovizioso and Casey Stoner flew to Jakarta to visit new team sponsor, Astra Honda, and take part in the presentation of the new Honda CBR250R. The trio also supported Astra Honda in the promotion of young motorcycling talent through a training programme and school.

Following the very positive results achieved during the second Sepang test held in Malaysia last week, the three Repsol Honda riders - Dani Pedrosa, Andrea Dovizioso and Casey Stoner - flew to Jakarta to visit new team sponsor, Astra Honda.

They were the stars of the launch of the new Honda CBR250R in Indonesia - a premium sport motorcycle which becomes Honda’s flagship model in Indonesia - and also gave support to Astra Honda in promoting motorcycling through a training program and school for young talents in Indonesia.

MotoGP has become a symbol of ultimate achievement in the racing world and all riders aspire to join the World Championship. Astra Honda chose to sponsor the Repsol Honda Team through their ‘One Heart’ and ‘Satu Hati’ branding on the 2011 Repsol Honda RC212V.

In Indonesia, the total motorcycle market in 2010 reached 7.4 million units and Astra Honda distributed 3.4 million units – a 27% growth compared to 2009. Judging from various economic indexes, the Indonesian market will continue to grow this year also. Astra Honda expects that the total market in 2011 will increase to 8.2 million units and its target is to reach 4.25 million units sales, which would mean 53% market share.

Mr. Tetsuo Suzuki, HRC President and Honda R&D Managing Director, took part in the presentation alongside his riders and was one of the main figures on the stage. Suzuki explained that: “In this season, you will see the ‘One Heart’ logo on our machines and racing gear, at many circuits around the world. I was very much moved when I learnt the meaning of ‘One Heart. I’ve heard it shows Astra Honda’s wish to be a life-time partner for those who are young at heart, who challenge always for their dreams. It is the very core of Honda philosophy, or Honda spirit. With ‘One Heart’ we promise you that we are going to try our best to get back the Championship in 2011.”

Astra Honda will enhance racing activities in two different categories, Motoprix and Indoprix, supporting a total of 20 teams in its country. Besides 2011 racing activities, they are also enhancing education for young riders through Suzuka Racing School instructed by Mr.Noboru Ueda, the former Honda MotoGP rider. Through these new activities, Astra Honda hopes to improve the level in Indonesia and provide fun in riding, or watching, for Indonesian customers. “We believe the presence of these three Repsol Honda riders, who have proven their skills in MotoGP, will give spirit and inspiration to Indonesian Honda’s riders in reaching their dreams,” said President Director PT AHM, Yusuke Hori, during the CBR250R launch.

Dani Pedrosa, Andrea Dovizioso and Casey Stoner also visited Sentul circuit on Saturday, the Indonesian track which hosted its last World Grand Prix in the 1997 season.